It’s early on the morning before Sunday conference, but I wanted to share with you a wonderful experience during Elder Yoon Hwan Choi’s talk during the priesthood session last night. Continue reading
Author Archives: Geoff B.
Random thoughts on conference so far
–BRAZIL! Yet another temple in one of the fastest-growing areas for the Church. Fortaleza is an important, large city in the north, and missionaries are baptizing there like crazy. Congratulations, Brazil!
Robert E. Lee and the problem of judging a life
Who am I describing?
1)He was one of the most efficient killers in history. His military tactics were ground-breaking in their horror and involved the deaths of literally tens of thousands. His actions caused millions of slaves to remain in chains for many additional years. He forced an army to keep on fighting until they were a starving, ragged, barefoot mob, and then they suffered a humiliating surrender.
2)He was a gentle, honorable, God-fearing man who prayed regularly. In all of his actions, he thought he was being guided by the Almighty. In terms of his personal behavior, he might have reminded us of our modern-day prophets. He is considered a genius, and his tactics are studied worldwide. He defended his country against a foreign invasion and fought with honor. He was such a natural leader that his men would cheer whenever he came into view. He was a loyal husband and father, and was revered until his death.
As you may have guessed from the title of this post, both descriptions apply to Robert E. Lee, the leading general of the South through most of the Civil War.
Guest post: consecration and free agency — an honest inquiry
This is a guest post by Doug Daley, who describes himself as a “happily married father of three beautiful daughters. I live in scenic Vermont where I serve in local and stake callings and work as an electrical engineer.”
By Doug Daley
In a recent discussion posted by Geoff B, it was noted that many smart people have very different views of politics. My limited time here on Millennial Star has also demonstrated to me that many Mormons have vastly different views on politics.
It seems that when it comes to social issues we can all agree that helping people is a good and Christ-like thing. Unfortunately, it tends to get very contentious when methods of carrying out this goal are discussed. I have spent some time thinking about what if any impact the gospel principles should have on my political thoughts. In the course of thinking through this issue I have come up with a question that I can not reconcile but that I suspect many contributors to M* can. As such, Im turning to one and all for help, so please educate me, but be polite.
The conservative perspective on Glenn Beck
I think you could make a strong argument that Glenn Beck is among the most famous Mormons in America, certainly at this point up there with Mitt Romney and Harry Reid. His Fox news show is tearing up the 5 p.m. Eastern hour (not traditionally a good time slot), his radio show is among the top five (and perhaps top three) nationwide after Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. And he’s written several books that have done quite well.
The Bloggernacle has already passed judgement on Glenn Beck, and, in short, we hate him. See here for one example and here for another. See the links and comments on T&S and BCC for practically daily examples.
I’m not interested in this becoming another post where everybody points out how much they hate Glenn Beck. That has already been done. Repeatedly. Instead, my question is: can and should Mormon intellectuals find anything redeeming in his hysterical, populist style? Can we acknowledge the value of his muck-raking journalism, which has gone out of style with other media? How about his defense of the Constitution and his promotion of non-partisan politics (he is not a Republican, by the way, but calls himself an independent leaning toward libertarian)?